Radio host uses show to help listeners at the holidays

By Christie Garton, USA TODAY

Kansas City rock radio host Johnny Dare has been called a radio bad boy more than a time or two over the years. But according to many of his long-time fans, he's better known for his softer side.

By Larry Perez

Kansas City radio host Johnny Dare, right, participates in the March of Dimes' Kansas City Bikers for Babies Ride in 2009. Dare has served as an honorary chairman of the ride since its beginning in 1995.

Kansas City radio host Johnny Dare, right, participates in the March of Dimes' Kansas City Bikers for Babies Ride in 2009. Dare has served as an honorary chairman of the ride since its beginning in 1995.

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"During the holidays, Johnny does this segment — "Hope for the Holidays" — that features these incredibly sad stories of local listeners who've run across some hard luck and are in need of assistance," says Joe Heidrick of Kansas City, Mo., who usually tries to catch Dare's 98.9 the Rock morning program while driving into work.

"It's amazing to hear. People call in to offer whatever support they can, even when they can barely afford to. By the time I get to work, honestly, I'm a little teary-eyed."

Hope for the Holidays has a 15-year history of generating tears and acts of kindness from listeners on behalf of Kansas City's people in need. Starting the first Friday after Thanksgiving, Dare asks listeners to submit their requests for assistance, which are then vetted by his team. Dare reads the selected requests on-air, then waits for the calls to start coming in.

"It doesn't take long for the phone lines to start lighting up," says Dare, whose real name is John Caprefoli.

From groceries to Christmas toys to assistance with mortgage payments to prevent a home foreclosure, the program has generated more than a half million dollars in cash and service through the years, he says.

Don Post of Kansas City, who has been suffering from ALS for 32 years, he's always considered himself a "helper." But after suffering a stroke this past May, Post was unable to keep up with his mortgage and utility bills, prompting friend Penny Sharp to ask Dare for help on his behalf. It didn't take long for that help to arrive.

"I had just received an 'intent to foreclose' notice from the bank and my electricity was scheduled to be disconnected that day. When Penny brought me the check from 'Hope for The Holidays,' I was overjoyed, even though it was so difficult for me to accept help," says Post.

The program is meant to augment what other charities make available, Dare says.

"There are a lot of fine charities out of there, but what happens if you're a working-class guy and your car breaks down and you can't get to work? With a few missed paychecks, your home suddenly goes into foreclosure. There is no charity that helps guys like that," he says.

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